Ted Talk: How Schools Kill Creativity

Ted Talks: How School Kill Creativity
Talk by: Ken Robinson
Year Filmed: 2006

Summary:
This talk is about how creativity is not currently valued in schools. The speaker Ken Robinson makes arguments to rethink the school system so that creativity is nurtured rather than undermined. He argues that creativity is as important as literacy and should be given the same status. He criticizes the current education (and work) system for punishing mistakes. As he claims, kids are educated out of creativity.

Qualitative Analysis:
This Ted Talk could be categorized as Moderately Complex. As far as organization, the talk is quite clear, however, the speaker does seem to jump from thought to thought and story to story fairly quickly. The purpose for the talk is stated at the beginning and then repated at the end. The examples are relatable and easy to understand. All vocabulary is familiar and conversational. The meaning is clear and consistent throughout the lecture. The life experiences are common to almost all viewers. The media-content is basic as the message is easy to follow and analyze. However, it does require analysis as the talk challenges things most people accept as "normal". The media literacy is presented as a live filming of a speech so there is no editing.

Content Standards:
This show connects well with anything related to current events - this could be a life skills course, an English course, or a social studies course. This talk could really be tied to pretty much any subject and/or topic.

CCSS Grades 6 - 12 Standards for Speaking and Listening
Comprehension and Collaboration:
1. Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively
2. Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally
3. Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.

Personal Response:
I believe this is an informative, interesting Ted Talk. It is fairly short and the speaker is funny and engaging. The topic covered would definitely be one students find relevant. I think Ted Talks could be used daily as a warm-up activity or just occasionally. I personally have never used Ted Talks in the classroom but think they could be very effective teaching tools, specifically at the high school level. I think the various talks could lead to great discussions and analysis.